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Autoblog: New York 2010: 2011 Hyundai Sonata turbo with 274 HP and 34 MPG!

mb

Lifer
http://www.autoblog.com/2010/03/31/2011-hyundai-sonata-turbo-new-york-2010/

Ever since Hyundai announced at the Los Angeles Auto Show that it would add a turbocharged variant to its all-four-cylinder lineup in the new Sonata, there has been considerable speculation about how much power the engine would produce. The first time we saw a turbocharged direct injection engine in a car from the Hyundai corporate family was the 2008 Kia Koup concept that produced 290 horsepower. This same engine now powers the Sonata to the tune of 274 horsepower and 269 pound-feet of torque.

Like GTDI engines from Ford and the Volkswagen Group this new turbo Theta II engine has a broad, flat torque curve with the peak being sustained between 1,800 and 4,500 rpm. Hyundai is using a twin-scroll turbocharger like the one used by BMW in its latest engines (see: 2011 535i). The exhaust flow from the pairs of cylinders is fed into the turbine by separate paths to insure optimum response. The turbo housing is an integral casting with the exhaust manifold to provide short exhaust flows to the turbine.

Hyundai's engine uses a comparatively low 9.5:1 compression ratio compared to some other GTDI engines, but the maximum boost is 17.4 psi. The turbo engine is only offered with a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters on the steering wheel.

Particularly impressive is the fuel efficiency of this combination. Hyundai is estimating 22 mpg city and 34 mpg highway – just a tick less than the non-turbo models on the highway and significantly better than any of the V6 powered competitors. The turbo engine will be available on both the SE and Limited trim levels.



Press Release:


  • The Sonata 2.0T debuts with Hyundai's first four-cylinder turbocharged gasoline direct-injection engine
  • With a best-in-class 34 mpg highway fuel economy rating, the 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline direct-injection engine also delivers a best-in-class 274 horsepower and 269 lb-ft of torque across a broad rpm range – 1,800 rpm – 4,500 rpm – giving the Sonata 2.0T four-cylinder more power than many V6 engines, all on regular fuel
  • The new 2.0-liter turbocharged gasoline direct-injection engine is part of Hyundai's Blue Drive strategy that aims to lead the industry in fuel efficiency and sustainability
  • The twin-scroll turbo system design minimizes turbocharger lag while maximizing combustion efficiency and power output
NEW YORK, march 31, 2010 – Hyundai Motor America debuted its 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged gasoline direct-injection (GDI) engine in the 2011 Sonata at the New York Auto Show today. With the addition of the all-new 2.0-liter Theta II turbocharged GDI engine, the new 2011 Sonata offers an unprecedented combination of segment-leading fuel efficiency and power – with an estimated 34 mpg highway rating, and 274 horsepower. Remarkably, the Sonata 2.0T produces these industry-leading metrics on regular fuel...premium fuel is not required.

The new Sonata is the first Hyundai vehicle to have both GDI technology and a turbocharger. By the end of Hyundai's 24/7 version 2.0 product initiative (seven new models in the next 24 months), four nameplates will be available with GDI or the combination of GDI and a turbocharger. Turbocharging and GDI are part of "Hyundai Blue Drive," the company's environmental initiative to continue industry leadership in fuel efficiency and sustainability.

"The Sonata 2.0T is a great example of what our Blue Drive product strategy is doing for consumers," said John Krafcik, Hyundai Motor America president and CEO. "Think about it – more horsepower than any of our V6 competitors, with better gas mileage than any competitive 4-cylinder model. We're not fans of compromising at Hyundai, and the Sonata really demonstrates this aspect of our business approach."

The 2.0-liter turbocharged GDI four-cylinder engine in the 2011 Sonata produces 274 horsepower at 6,000 rpm and 269 lb-ft of torque from 1800-4500 rpm with regular fuel. The Sonata 2.0T will deliver 22 mpg city and 34 mpg highway (preliminary estimates). Hyundai's turbocharged engine features a twin-scroll turbocharger that when combined with the GDI system results in instantaneous power delivery. Twin-scroll turbochargers have traditionally been used on more expensive high performance engines, but as with GDI, Hyundai has chosen once again to apply this efficient technology in high volume to its most popular model.

The 2.0T engine will be available on the SE and Limited trim level, with the 2.0T Limited getting additional upgrades, including:

  • Panoramic sunroof
  • 18-inch hyper silver alloy wheels
  • Dual exhaust system
  • Steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters

TWIN-SCROLL TURBOCHARGER AND GDI TECHNOLOGY

Twin-scroll turbocharger designs have two exhaust gas inlets divided by split walls inside the turbine housing, with both gas passages controlled by a waste-gate. A twin-scroll turbo recovers even more energy from the exhaust than a single-scroll turbocharger thanks to a divided manifold. The twin-scroll design separates the cylinders whose exhaust gas pulses interfere with each other resulting in improved pressure distribution in the exhaust ports and a more efficient delivery of exhaust gas energy to the turbocharger's turbine.

For example, at the start of the intake stroke of cylinder one, and when both the intake and exhaust valves of cylinder one are open (valve overlap period), cylinder three already starts its exhaust stroke with the exhaust valve open. If the exhaust passages of cylinder one and three were connected, the exhaust gas pulse from cylinder three would increase the back pressure of cylinder one. This would reduce the induction of the fresh air and increase the amount of hot residual gases inside the cylinder. However, with the twin-scroll turbocharger setup, this interference is minimized.

The result of this superior scavenging effect from a twin-scroll design leads to better pressure distribution in the exhaust ports and a more efficient delivery of exhaust gas energy to the turbocharger's turbine. This in turn allows greater valve overlap, resulting in an improved quality and quantity of the air charge entering each cylinder. In fact, with more valve overlap, the scavenging effect of the exhaust flow can literally draw more air in on the intake side. At the same time, drawing out the last of the low-pressure exhaust gases help pack each cylinder with a denser and purer air charge. Maximum boost from the turbocharger is 17.4 psi.

The twin-scroll turbocharger design has several other advantages over traditional, single-scroll turbocharging systems, including:

  • Improved combustion efficiency
  • Low engine-speed efficiency
  • Kinetic exhaust gas energy is not wasted or trapped
  • Cooler cylinder temperatures
  • Lower exhaust temperatures
  • Leaner air/fuel ratio

* Better pressure distribution in the exhaust ports and more efficient delivery of exhaust gas energy to the turbocharger's turbine

Essentially, Sonata's twin-scroll turbo directs even more air into the engine while a compressor increases the pressure entering the cylinder. This allows the air entering the cylinder to be even more densely packed for higher compression and better performance, contributing to a more-efficient burn and fuel efficiency.

Two key features of Hyundai's twin-scroll turbocharger setup are:

* The stainless steel exhaust manifold and the twin-scroll turbine housing are cast in a patent pending one-piece design
* The waste-gate for the turbocharger uses a motor-driven electrical controller instead of being mechanically controlled

Thanks to the integrated stainless-steel turbine housing with the exhaust manifold, not only is the weight and cost of the casting dramatically reduced, the durability of the turbine housing is also improved.

By adapting the motor-driven electrical waste-gate, the boost pressure is precisely controlled. The back pressure is reduced when turbo boost is not necessary by opening the waste-gate, which improves fuel efficiency. In addition, during cold starts, the waste-gate remains open which results in faster catalyst light-off for reduced exhaust emissions.

A GDI fuel delivery system contributes to improved fuel efficiency and lower emissions. This shorter, more direct path of fuel delivery allows for greater control of the fuel mixture at the optimum moment, thus improving efficiency. The fuel is injected by a camshaft-driven, high pressure pump that operates at pressures up to 2175 psi. Direct injection also utilizes a higher-than-normal 9.5:1 compression ratio while achieving a remarkable 137 horsepower-per-liter. The piston heads are "dished" to increase combustion efficiency in the cylinder.

WORLD-CLASS POWER-TO-WEIGHT RATIO, RIGIDITY AND SPACE

One of the program targets for the 2011 Sonata engineering team was world-class power-to-weight ratio. This philosophy was also applied to the Sonata 2.0T, with the result of a best-in-class power-to-weight ratio of 12.2 horsepower per pound, significantly better than any mid-size sedan competitor, and even better than the performance-focused Chevrolet Camaro V6. Power-to-weight ratio pays dividends in both performance and fuel economy, and is the key to Sonata's superior performance in both of these areas.

Additionally, all Sonatas are rich in ultra-high-strength steel, leading to world-class body rigidity. The 2011 Sonata is 25 percent stiffer in torsion and 19 percent stiffer in bending rigidity than its predecessor, yet it is lighter than most midsize sedans, also offering more interior room.

SIX-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION

Hyundai's commitment to making the Sonata 2.0T extremely fuel efficient continues with a six-speed automatic transmission with SHIFTRONIC manual control.

Hyundai's all-new six-speed automatic A6LF2 transaxle is another way the company is meeting its goals of improving fuel efficiency and reducing emissions. Shifts are silky smooth with an option of manual control through the SHIFTRONIC feature.

Drivers can access the SHIFTRONIC feature by moving the gear selector into a separate gate. Pushing the selector forward or pulling it rearward will shift the transmission up or down sequentially, adding to driver control. Turbocharged Sonatas will also feature steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters. A clear LCD readout on the instrument panel shows the gear being used.

Designed for transverse engine applications in passenger cars and SUVs, the new compact transmission puts Hyundai into an elite class of auto manufacturers who have designed their own proprietary six-speed automatic transmissions. The strength of the design is its unique layout which makes it smaller, more compact and lighter than any other six-speed transmission on the market today.

For the customer, the new six-speed delivers a performance edge. The gearbox has no dipstick because it is filled with automatic transmission fluid that is good for the life of the vehicle under normal usage conditions, thereby reducing maintenance costs.

Developed over a four-year period, this new six-speed automatic is 26.4 pounds lighter than the five-speed it replaces. It is also 1.6 inches shorter and considerably simpler, having 62 fewer parts, which is key to increased durability, lighter weight and lower cost.

When it comes to transmissions, more gears are definitely better. The addition of a sixth gear enables closer spacing between gear ratios providing a better balance of performance and fuel economy while the wide overall gear ratio helps deliver strong acceleration.

The gearbox has three planetary gearsets and a unique flat torque converter that shortens the unit's overall length by 0.47 inches. Four pinion differentials improve durability and further minimize size.

Another example of engineering ingenuity is found in the design of the hydraulic pressure control unit. Slight manufacturing deviations from one solenoid valve to the next often cause fluctuation in the hydraulic pressure and affect shift precision and quality. The transmission featured in the Sonata cleverly integrates adjustment screws in the valves that enable each of the eight valves to be calibrated at the factory. This feature ensures stable hydraulic pressure at any shift point which facilitates a high degree of precision and control needed to deliver fast, smooth and precise shifts throughout the rpm range.






WOW! It is amazing what auto makers are coming up with now!
 
stopped reading at "The turbo engine is only offered with a six-speed automatic transmission with paddle shifters on the steering wheel. "
 
Wow, didn't take long for the manual transmission circle jerk to begin.

It's a family sedan with some power to it, not a pony/muscle/sports car.

Sure, but for family sedan an I4 is plenty fine. Slushbox + Turbo makes baby Jesus cry.
 
Wow, didn't take long for the manual transmission circle jerk to begin.

It's a family sedan with some power to it, not a pony/muscle/sports car.

You can have your auto if you want. I just wish I was at least given the option to row my own.
 
You can have your auto if you want. I just wish I was at least given the option to row my own.

Why? You still wouldn't buy it and no one else would either and it would just bring down their overall gas mileage (lets face it they can tweak the autos to do better on the EPA test).

Why do you think none of the competition offers a manual either? V6 Accord sedan = auto. V6 Altima sedan = CVT. V6 Camry = auto. V6 Fusion = auto. Passat = auto. Malibu = auto.
 
Why? You still wouldn't buy it and no one else would either and it would just bring down their overall gas mileage (lets face it they can tweak the autos to do better on the EPA test).

Why do you think none of the competition offers a manual either? V6 Accord sedan = auto. V6 Altima sedan = CVT. V6 Camry = auto. V6 Fusion = auto. Passat = auto. Malibu = auto.

This is turbo I4, not V6. If it's meant to appeal to people who want a V6 auto, fine, but its boring. Tweaking autos to do better on EPA test means tall gearing. Tall geared slusbox with a turbo 4 is just not very appealing to anyone who enjoys driving. And if its not going to deliver driving enjoyment, why not just get an NA I4 and save some money?
 
This is turbo I4, not V6. If it's meant to appeal to people who want a V6 auto, fine, but its boring. Tweaking autos to do better on EPA test means tall gearing. Tall geared slusbox with a turbo 4 is just not very appealing to anyone who enjoys driving. And if its not going to deliver driving enjoyment, why not just get an NA I4 and save some money?


because there are a lot of people who like to feel the kick when they put their foot in it but have no interest in rowing their own?
 
This is turbo I4, not V6. If it's meant to appeal to people who want a V6 auto, fine, but its boring. Tweaking autos to do better on EPA test means tall gearing. Tall geared slusbox with a turbo 4 is just not very appealing to anyone who enjoys driving. And if its not going to deliver driving enjoyment, why not just get an NA I4 and save some money?
Ding ding ding!

Look, the segment isn't for you. Get over it. Myself I have a V6 Accord sedan. I wanted a roomy sedan with some power and that's what I got. I didn't want a slower I4, and I didn't want the coupe which does offer a 6MT with the V6.
The 100s of thousands of people like me that make similar decisions will also find the turbo Sonata appealing/enjoyable.
Nissan and Honda dropped manuals from their V6 sedans b/c no one was buying them. It wouldn't surprise me if more I4s are being sold with autos now in this segment.
 
What kind of demand is there for a turbo in a Sonata? 😕 Gas mileage sounds pretty damn good though.
 
What kind of demand is there for a turbo in a Sonata? 😕 Gas mileage sounds pretty damn good though.

It offers the same power as the V6 with better economy. It's a win/win for those who were going to buy the V6 version.

I'm curious with the lower compression if you can get away with lower octane gas. Needing premium fuel sort of negates the ecomony gains from a pure $$$ standpoint.
 
Why? You still wouldn't buy it and no one else would either and it would just bring down their overall gas mileage (lets face it they can tweak the autos to do better on the EPA test).

Why do you think none of the competition offers a manual either? V6 Accord sedan = auto. V6 Altima sedan = CVT. V6 Camry = auto. V6 Fusion = auto. Passat = auto. Malibu = auto.

As much as it makes me sad...I agree with mb. Hyundai really has no motivation to offer this with a manual.
 
Why? You still wouldn't buy it and no one else would either and it would just bring down their overall gas mileage (lets face it they can tweak the autos to do better on the EPA test).

Why do you think none of the competition offers a manual either? V6 Accord sedan = auto. V6 Altima sedan = CVT. V6 Camry = auto. V6 Fusion = auto. Passat = auto. Malibu = auto.

I have a gen1 V6 MT Mazda6. Something that doesn't exist anymore, and it makes me a sad panda.
 
As much as it makes me sad...I agree with mb. Hyundai really has no motivation to offer this with a manual.

No motivation yes and that's what makes me sad as well. If the demand was there, auto manufacturers would make it. Unfortunately us Americans are lazy and have no wish to be "excited" by their car.

Note: Anyone that says that they are excited by a slushbox needs to be shot. I would even say the same thing about DSGs in supercars.
 
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Even if it won't sell in huge numbers it would help Hyundai's image if they offered it with a stick.

People that buy 4-cylinder Accords with a stick are usually doing so because they're frugal. Enthusiast types buy the big engine with a stick. Its like how Acura offers the TL with a 6MT and Infiniti the G35 with a 6MT while you can't buy an IS350 or ES350 with a stick. Just a different brand image, even though the 6MT versions of both cars probably account for <10&#37; of total sales.
 
The turbo Sonata is their V6 equivalent because they announced the Sonata will not get a V6. They are competing against other midsized V6 sedans (ex. Accord, Altima, Camry, Fusion, etc.). If there is demand for midsized V6 sedans, there will be demand for the turbo Sonata because not only is the power equivalent (and in most cases superior) but better MPG.

Once wifey gets sick of her Civic, we will seriously consider the turbo Sonata. Previously, we were thinking of an Accord.
 
No motivation yes and that's what makes me sad as well. If the demand was there, auto manufacturers would make it. Unfortunately us Americans are lazy and have no wish to be "excited" by their car.

Note: Anyone that says that they are excited by a slushbox needs to be shot. I would even say the same thing about DSGs in supercars.

yes because the only way to have any fun in a car is to push the gear lever.
 
Edit: nevermind.

I just wish there were more options to replace my 6 when the time comes.

"Exciting" and "Fun" cars are entirely subjective. There is no universal truth that states a manual transmission is the defining feature of fun. Thus taking your subjective opinions about what makes a car fun (which is your prerogative) should not lead to a generality about everyone else (Americans are lazy and want unexciting cars).

Your quoted statement is absolutely correct and unfortunately (and obviously) not the current trend auto manufacturers follow for America.

Personally, I wish there were more new I6 options other than BMW. Damn you engine packaging engineers!!!!
 
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